OPINION
With reports linking Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner with a switch to their Midland rivals West Brom, the Baggies must not follow through on their interest.
As reported by Football Insider 247, the Baggies have made an approach to sign the Villa midfielder this summer as they look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign.
West Brom must not pursue this deal any further as it would be a mistake to sign Gardner, he’s simply not good enough.
The Baggies fans will shiver upon hearing the words ‘Gardner’ and ‘approach’ in the same sentence after enduring three seasons of having Craig Gardner in their side, the brother of reported target Gary. The older Gardner brother was average at best and was far below the standard of what Albion needed at the time, signing the younger Gardner brother would be a similar mistake.
Gary is the better of the two, he’s got a more well-rounded game is technically more skilled than his older brother, but he’s still an average Championship player. The Albion should be aiming for higher quality players.
The 26-year-old may well end up signing for the club, he may well even have a good season, but what happens when Darren Moore’s side get promoted? He’s not at Premier League level in terms of quality, so he is a short-term fix when the club should be looking at more long-term options.
Take Brentford midfielder Ryan Woods for example, yes he would cost a lot more money but his potential will allow him to grow into a fully-fledged top-flight midfielder, with the right guidance, so he would be a much better signing than Gardner.
The cold, hard facts are these. Gardner couldn’t get into the Villa team last season and was sent out on loan to Barnsley, how is he now going to be good enough to get into the Baggies midfield?
He isn’t, which is why West Brom must not buy him.